T’puram: Two members of a six-member family from Nilamel in Kollam district died and a third remains critically ill after falling ill following a late-night seafood meal at a hotel in Vizhinjam on Monday. The deaths were initially suspected to be due to food poisoning; however, preliminary post-mortem findings indicate they may have been caused by a severe allergic reaction. Officials said the exact cause of death can only be confirmed after detailed laboratory results are available.The deceased were identified as Shaji, 42, a native of Plachikkode in Nilamel and his mother-in-law, Rasheeda Beevi, 58. Shaji’s wife, Sajimol, 39, is undergoing treatment in the ICU at Thiruvananthapuram Medical College Hospital, where doctors described her condition as serious.The family had travelled to Vizhinjam around 10.30pm and dined at an eatery that operates in the evenings. The group consumed fish roe, shellfish, small prawns, squid, porotta and appam, along with soft drinks and bottled water. While returning to Nilamel, several members developed chest pain and physical discomfort. They were first taken to a nearby hospital, where Rasheeda Beevi died. Shaji was shifted to Thiruvananthapuram Medical College Hospital for advanced treatment but succumbed there.Three other members of the group, including two children aged 10 and 16 and a neighbour who had accompanied them, did not report any health issues. Following the incident, the food safety department inspected the hotel on Tuesday and collected samples of seafood items served at the hotel as well as ice used for storage and drinking water, though shellfish samples were unavailable. They also ordered its temporary closure pending further investigation. The establishment was found to be operating without a valid licence. Chadayamangalam and Vizhinjam police have launched separate investigations, while civic health authorities and fisheries department officials also visited the premises.
